Sailmakers has gone under the hammer once again to sell for the exact same price.

There were more bids this time around for the Tavern Street centre which was sold for £3.02m - the exact price when it was up for auction in March.

This time 17 bids were made, compared to two. 

Sailmakers had gone up for auction for the second time in two months after its previous sale fell through due to the buyer being unable to get the money from Turkey.

The shopping centre was sold through Allsop Auctions website on May 2.

First opened in 1986 as Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre, the complex has changed hands numerous times.

In 2005, the centre was sold for more than £30m and previously changed hands for £26m in 2002, £24m in 1999 and £22.36m in 1995.

In 2012, property giants LaSalle bought the centre spending £4 million on transforming it and bringing it up to date.

This time, with a guide price of £2.5m, the first bid of £2.75m was received at 11am, eventually selling for £3.02m at 12.42pm on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking before the sale, Councillor John Cook, whose ward includes the town centre, said: "Given the recent planning approval for conversion of upper floors to residential, and some good quality retailers as commercial tenants, I hope that the auction on May 2 results in a buyer committed to making the most of Sailmakers.

"If I had a tip for them, it would be to revert to the 'Tower Ramparts' name - long associated with this area.

"But whatever they choose to do, I urge Ipswich residents to use the shops and services in Sailmakers and across the town if they want to see a more vibrant and sustainable town centre."